The Grounds Opens The Potting Shed

Plant yourself at The Grounds’ new casual bar and eatery, right next door.

Photography: Alana Dimou

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Photography: Alana Dimou

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Photography: Alana Dimou

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Published on 28 April 2014

by Kate Reid

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There is no doubt The Grounds of Alexandria is one of Sydney’s most popular eateries. And now, after two years of feeding many hungry patrons, The Grounds folk have a new venture to fall in love with, The Potting Shed.

The new garden bar and eatery is welcoming, open and laidback, with potted plants hanging from the ceiling, a timber swing seat and custom-made furniture; it’s like dining in a friend’s garden if that friend were a stylish horticulturalist. It was designed by Acme & Co., and the firm was given a clear brief for the space; garden nostalgia with a Parisian feel. “We wanted to envelop people in green,” says designer Caroline Choker.

A produce-driven menu has been created by head chef Kahlil Rogers-Perazzo, who has spent time in the kitchens of Hugo's, Tetsuya’s and Quay. Among dishes for one and plates designed for sharing are steamed black mussels with tomato sofrito and chorizo; slow-cooked, grain-fed angus short rib with a sweet-and-sour glaze, spiced eggplant and garlic chips; as well as half a charcoal-grilled Holmbrae chicken with fenugreek, coriander, walnuts, pomegranate, cucumber, radish and grains. There’s also a selection of cocktails, boutique wines and craft beers.

For The Grounds’ co-director, Ramzey Choker it was important to marry the success of The Grounds’ menu with a slightly different atmosphere. “We still wanted to keep the homely, rustic, styled, beautiful and wholesome food,” says Choker, “but we didn’t build it to be as hustle and bustle as the cafe is, it’s more of a relaxed gathering place where people can talk and hang out and just do what friends and family love doing.”